Health benefits of Gingko biloba

The therapeutic properties of the ginkgo plant are said to include treatment for blood disorders and memory problems, enhancement of cardiovascular function and to improve eye health.

Gingko contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, antioxidants that provide protection against oxidative cell damage from harmful free radicals. In this way, antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of cancer.

Also known as the maidenhair tree, ginkgo is one of the oldest species of tree in the world. The trees can grow more than 130 feet tall and can live for over 1,000 years. Some trees in China are said to be over 2,500 years old.

The tree is considered to be a "living fossil", meaning that it has continued to survive even after major extinction events.1

The extract can be taken as a supplement, and the dried leaves of the plant can be used to make tea.

Benefits

Ginkgo biloba may offer a range of health benefits, including improving cognitive function. Traditional uses are wide-ranging, but not all of them have been confirmed by research.

Memory enhancement, dementia, and Alzheimer's

Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 may assist with dementia, but more research is required.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), "Gingko is widely used in Europe for treating dementia." Doctors started to use it because they thought it improved blood flow to the brain, but more recent studies indicate that it may protect nerve cells from damage in Alzheimer's.

There is some evidence indicating that ginkgo can help people with dementia, although more studies are required to confirm this.

The benefits may include:

• improved thinking and memory

• better social behavior

• better ability to perform everyday tasks

One study found that an extract of ginkgo biloba, known as EGb 761, was clinically effective in treating Alzheimer's dementia.

Other research, sup>5, published in JAMA, similarly concluded that EGb 761 was safe to use and possibly effective in stabilizing and possibly improving cognitive and the social functioning patients with dementia for between 6 and 12 months.

Researchers believe that ginkgo improves cognitive function because it promotes good blood circulation in the brain and protects the brain and other parts from neuronal damage.

However, other research suggests that ginkgo may not improve memory among people who are healthy.

Anxiety

Ginkgo may help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research7, found that people with generalized anxiety disorder who took ginkgo experienced better anxiety relief than those who took a placebo.

However, people who take Xanax for anxiety should not use ginkgo, because ginkgo may reduce the drug's effectiveness.

Glaucoma

One small study observed improvements in the vision of people with glaucoma who took 120 milligrams a day of gingko over a period of 8 weeks. Some studies have also suggested that gingko may help people with macular degeneration to keep their sight for longer.

Raynaud's disease

People with Raynaud's disease who took gingko for 10 weeks experienced fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo.

Dosage and form

Ginkgo is available in capsule form, as tablets, liquid extracts, and dried leaf for teas.

In studies, adults have used between 120 and 240 milligrams a day in divided doses. It appears to take 4 to 6 weeks before improvements are noticed.

People who should not take gingko biloba include:

• Children

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Those with epilepsy

• People taking blood thinners

Patients with diabetes should not use gingko without first checking with a physician.

Side effects

Possible side effects of ginkgo biloba include:

• nausea

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headaches

• stomach ache

• restlessness

• vomiting.

Ginkgo and other supplements should only be used following discussion with a physician.

Risks

As with any medication, care is needed to prevent interactions with other drugs and other risks. Even ibuprofen combined with Gingko can increase the risk of internal bleeding.

Patients with blood circulation disorders or individuals on anticoagulants, such as aspirin, are at risk of experiencing undesirable effects after taking ginkgo.

Those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) as antidepressants should not take ginkgo as it inhibits monoamine oxidase, reducing the effectiveness of the medications.

Combining the two may also increase the risk of a potentially fatal condition known as serotonin syndrome. Examples of SSRIs are Prozac, or fluoxetine, and sertraline, also known as Zoloft.

Gingko can also exaggerate both the good and bad effects of another type of antidepressant, known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Ginkgo leaves contain long-chain alkylphenols, which are highly allergenic. People who are allergic to poison ivy and other plants with alkylphenols should completely avoid taking ginkgo. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) warns that people should not eat the ginkgo fruit or seed.

History

Ginkgo Biloba trees can live for thousands
of years
Courtesy: Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden says that ginkgo biloba is "the only member of a group of ancient plants believed to have inhabited the earth up to 150 million years ago."2

Introduced very early to human history, the trees were originally cultivated for consumption and as a traditional medicine.

Ginkgo biloba was first used for its medicinal properties in Ancient China. The Chinese took ginkgo for its claimed cognitive benefits and to alleviate symptoms of asthma. They also ate ginkgo nuts because of their "strengthening" properties.

According to the Institute for Natural Products Research3, other traditional uses of ginkgo biloba include:

• Preventing bed wetting

• Increasing sexual energy

• Soothe bladder irritation

• Treating intestinal worms

• Treating gonorrhea

Introduction to the western world

Engelbert Kaempfer was the first European to discover ginkgo, in the late 1600s. By 1771 Linnaeus finally named the tree Ginkgo Biloba which translates into "silver plume with two lobes."

In 1784 ginkgo was brought over to America to the garden of William Hamilton.

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